U.S. Reclaimed

U.S. Reclaimed

After 20 years as a local contractor and craftsman, Ben Bonin saw a need in the marketplace for unique building materials and custom, one-of-a-kind creations that contractors, architects, builders, designers and homeowners were demanding. His woodworking expertise and experience with vintage lumber helped him fill the niche for designs that are anything but cookie-cutter.

Ben, and his wife Bethany, opened U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber & Wood Works in Laguna Niguel just over a year ago to an enthusiastic response. Their set up is part showroom, part lumber store, and part workshop. The racks of reclaimed wood from all over the country are a history lesson waiting to happen. Pulled from structurally unsound buildings like barns, grain mills, factories and homes, each piece has both a time-worn story behind it and a yet-to-be-told story ahead.

Ben’s raw materials are salvaged and repurposed into fresh, new designs such as—doors, mantels, furniture, flooring, ceiling beams, paneling and more. “Getting my hands dirty and building things from scratch is my passion,” says Ben, “I can build anything a customer can imagine.” That seems like a tall order, but clicking through his portfolio seems to prove his point. His work is on display in kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, dining rooms and home facades all over Orange County, as well as in a variety of commercial applications, including The Cellar in San Clemente. “We don’t really have a ‘typical’ customer. We get a wide variety of people coming through, including contractors, architects, builders, store owners, designers, and DIY homeowners who just want something different.”

“All of our products can be custom milled to a client’s specifications. Each piece is 100% unique, with its own patina, character and charm. It seems the possibilities are endless,” says Ben. He’s been making lots of custom bathroom vanities and sliding barn-style doors lately, and, of course, customers continue to come from near and far for the distinctive flooring options. Ben estimates his reclaimed materials range from pre-1900 to 1930’s old-growth, mixed American soft and hardwoods.

Born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, Ben is a true local. He and Bethany are raising their three kids, aged kindergarten through junior high, to appreciate the gifts the community has to offer. It’s important to them to keep their business “mom and pop” and client-focused. “I’d love to eventually expand my product line and possibly work toward becoming a customer’s one-stop shop for woodworking. Right now, though, I’m happy doing custom projects and enjoying the creativity and challenge this opportunity has brought me. Seeing the special character of 200-year-old wood come to life as beautiful flooring or a family dining table is the best reward.”

The tagline for the operation is “reclaiming the U.S. piece-by-piece,” and customers find inspiration in strolling the aisles and seeing the incredible variety of color, wood species and tactile features. Lisa Martin, a frequent U.S. Reclaimed client, has customized her home with Ben’s help. “Ben and his team are professional, creative and extremely patient,” explains Lisa. “He values my business and takes pride and ownership in his work. I love being able to hand pick each piece for my projects. My flooring and kitchen island are beautiful, timeless and indestructible! Now I’m working on a fireplace mantel, shelving and a huge custom chalkboard. I find the products and shopping experience addictive.”

When they’re not traveling the country collecting aged lumber, antique hardware and other treasures, Ben and Bethany are helping clients realize their visions. Come by the shop, located off the 5 Freeway at Avery Parkway, or check out the super cool website to find photos of finished projects, raw materials and “before and afters” to catch a glimpse of the old buildings before and during deconstruction.

Take a behind the scenes look at The Local Dish Magazine’s November Cover Photo Shoot!